Daughter In a landmark judgment, Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja has sentenced one Idowu Adegoke to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s seven-year-old daughter.
The state prosecutor, Olusola Soneye, informed the court that the convict had sexually assaulted the minor by penetrating her vagina with his fingers. The offence occurred on November 28, 2018, at Ayantaga Street, Mushin Lagos, and violated Section 261 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
During the trial, Adegoke’s evidence was self-serving and only made to distance himself from the allegations against him. Justice Soladoye held that the defendant was dishonest and deceitful, as his documentary testimony was at variance with his oral testimony.
The judge held that the evidence of the respective witnesses was truthful, credible, cogent, and believable. The conduct of the defendant was unbecoming of a neighbour and condemnable, according to the judge. Consequently, Adegoke was found guilty as charged and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The Lagos State Government will also include his name in the Sexual Offenders Register, as maintained by the state.
The judgment sets a precedent in the fight against sexual assault and domestic violence, which are prevalent issues in many communities worldwide. Justice has been served, and this will serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in such criminal activities